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LOCAL CHAMPION! Aug. 4 -10, 2016 • Page 9A Homeless but not hopeless Sisters seeking work, refuge in DeKalb County by Horace Holloman horace @dekalbchamp.com S isters Cylinthia and Camille Fitchett aren’t what some think of as “typical” homeless women. The pair said they aren’t on drugs, nor are they lazy or suffer from alcoholism. But despite efforts to find work, or a house, the sisters remain homeless. After a mid-July rain left them drenched while sleeping under the carport driveway of an now-abandoned church, Cylinthia said she and her sister are “at our wits’ end.” Cylinthia and Camille are currently spending most of their time at Rhema Christian Fellowship Church on Candler Road in Decatur. The church provided a safe place, until it was relocated to Conyers, Cylinthia said. Because of safety and county code enforcement concerns, Cylinthia said she fears their time may be running out on finding a place to stay or a job. “At this point we’re so tired. Physically and emotionally we’re just exhausted. We’re not settled enough to get out, get around and do what’s needed. Any time we’ve talked to an agency or church, all we’ve asked is that they provide us with a place to stay for 30 days because it gives you some rest and you’re able to sit and think,” Cylinthia said. During the day, the sisters take turns watching after their dog Bailey—a full-grown Beagle. While one watches Bailey, the other goes to the local library to apply for jobs or conduct research. Not only has the emotional toll become arduous for the Flitchett sisters, the physical toll has become nearly too much to bear, Cylinthia said. “We have slept outside in the cold, snow, ice, and now heat. We are experiencing leg spasms backaches all from sleeping outside,” Cylinthia said. “It is also difficult to eat properly we are unable to cook or store food. So our meals consist of a lot sandwiches and packaged food not very healthy.” Cylinthia and Camille have been homeless since 2009 after losing their jobs, bouncing around from house to house. For six months the pair lived in Cylinthia’s 1995 Volvo, until it died. Cylinthia, who graduated from William Paterson University of New Jersey with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, worked for 20 years as a human services specialist. Camille worked for 16 years in customer service. Despite being unable to find work, with years of experience, Camille said she still finds strength in God and her big sister. “What keeps me going is my faith in God. It can get me down, but God got me. It’s been a struggle and there were times where I wanted to give up, but I didn’t,” Camille said. “People always say don’t give up, but it’s just hard sometimes. [Cylinthia] reads her Bible every day and whatever she reads I learn from her. She keeps me going.” Cylinthia and Camille Fitchett stand side by side under the abandoned Rhema Christian Fellowship Church. The sisters have been homeless since 2009. Cylinthia and Camille Fitchett, along with their dog Bailey, talk with DeKalb County Southern Christian Leadership Conference President Nathan Knight. Camille said one of the hardest issues with being homeless is the lack of transportation. Camille had a job interview a few months ago, but didn’t receive a call back, she said. “It’s tough because you spend money to get on the bus and get a [bus ticket] and to travel so far and not get the job, it’s just really hard,” Camille said. The money the sisters receive in donations is generally spent on food or hygiene products, Cylinthia See Homeless on Page 11A